Skandia

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced it considers withdrawals taken from unsecured pensions (USP) or alternatively secured pensions (ASP) as income for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes.

Skandia has called for the inclusion of ongoing transaction charges such as fund switches in the platform disclosure regime to stop clients being misled.

The Pre-Budget Report (PBR) has introduced a need for advice for non-UK domiciles resident in the UK, says Skandia.

Skandia International, the off-shore arm of Skandia, has hired a two-strong team to help the provider's asset management division build and find funds.

Former IFA firm chief Michelle Cracknell has joined Skandia UK as strategy director.

Skandia UK has recorded £6.7bn gross sales for the first nine months of 2007, a 4% jump on the same period last year.

Skandia Investment Management Ltd (SIML) has added Schroders' Japan Alpha Plus fund to its MultiManager Japanese Equity Blend fund.

Poor health is the main reason for people retiring, according to research by Skandia.

Skandia Investment Management Ltd (SIML) is considering launching European and International Best Ideas funds.

Half of advisers believe charging transparency has improved since SIPPs became regulated, according to research by Skandia.